Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire Ranking

Dual sport tires by their nature are a compromise, so the overall reviews of these tires are relatively low compared to purpose built sport bike or dirt tires. Because of this many of the tires are very close in ratings, so it is somewhat difficult to rank them.

All that have ridden the Michelin Anakee 3 are surprised at the grip and performance because the tire doesn’t look like a typical off-road tire. Consensus is that Anakee 3 is better than the Anakee 2. Independent test showed Anakee 3 lasted 25% more than Tourance EXP.

The Metzeler Tourance EXP front tire was rated higher than the rear tire. Overall people like the handling and grip. The Metzeler Tourance provides a very controlled feeling and sticks well to the road. The control comes at the expense of mileage for some. There were pretty consistent complaints that mileage was lower than expected.

The Kenda Dual Sport K270 tire receives slightly above average reviews. The tire was rated below average on the Thumpertalk site. Some of the comments include: front was squirmy, losing every other knob after 300 highway miles, on the street were loud and squirmy. Other sites were more positive. Works well in hard pack, long lasting, good price, easy to install. One rider likes the Kenda Dual Sport K270 over the Pirelli Rallycross-felt more confident with the Kenda.

The Shinko 705 provides better mileage as compared to other tires at a reasonable price. Consistent reports of solid handling, grip and quiet ride. Handles the dirt better than one might expect for a dual sport tire, has a deep void that helps dig through hard pack dirt and gravel. One rider feels the Shinko 705 has better handling overall compared to the Metzeler Tourance and costs less. Some complaints of tread separation or losing lugs.

One rider reported problems with two rears that failed due to a confirmed bad batch. In general, the tires are long wearing and are good on a variety of surfaces. The tires do have stiff sidewalls, so that may or may not be a positive for you. One rider had a flat and because of the stiff sidewalls was able to ride it to a gas stop.

The Avon Distanzia is positively reviewed as a 80% street/20% dirt tire. The tire lasts 6,000 miles or less. Good on mountain twisties, soft sand, forest service roads. Tires warm up quickly, provide good road feel with no abonormal cupping. The rear tire is rated higher than the front tire.

# 7 Mefo Explorer 99

The Mefo Explorer 99 has good mileage on the road or trail. The cost is relatively high compared to other tires. Consistent positive reviews. Handles well on hard packed dirt/gravel, loose sand, grass and road.

The Kenda Trakmaster II K760 gets fairly high marks in the sand, eventhough it is not a purpose-built sand tire. Overall the Kenda K760 receives mixed reviews. Some like it in the soft stuff, while others say it excels in the hard. Fairly consistent reviews saying not the best on the road. The front tire is rated higher than the rear.

The Continental Road Attack tips in easily, instills confidence in the corners, warms up fast, is stable in wind gusts and handles well in the dry/wet. The tire squares off somewhat easily and wears fast. Miles averaged around 7,000.

The Kenda Dual Sport K761 is rated slightly lower than average. However, KLR650 riders seem to like the tire. Riders prefer these tires over the Pirelli Scorpion and Avon Gripster. Works well in hard pack and fire roads.